apple patentshttp://www.maclife.com/taxonomy/term/9356/all
enMorning Report: Apple Patents Network Diagnostics, Yosemite Beta, AfterShot Pro 2http://www.maclife.com/article/news/morning_report_apple_patents_network_diagnostics_yosemite_beta_aftershot_pro_2
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u332541/2014/11/datanetworkpatent.png" alt="Apple patent: Crowdsourced data" width="620" height="332" /></p><p>"We are deeply inspired by their courage and love of our country," <a href="https://twitter.com/tim_cook/status/532146355116851202" target="_blank">Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote in a Twitter post Tuesday</a>, kicking off a day-long tradition for Americans honoring veterans of the U.S. Armed Services. Today's Morning Report takes a look at Apple's efforts to improve our lives with new patent and OS X Yosemite beta details, a new Aperture alternative now in the Mac App Store — and our eternal thanks to veterans from coast to coast for their dedication to our freedom.</p><h3>Apple Wants to Use Crowdsourced Data to Improve Networks</h3><p><a href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/11/11/apple-tech-uses-geofences-to-pinpoint-cell-network-dead-spots" target="_blank">AppleInsider today reported</a> that Apple appears to be working on a "mobile device monitoring system" capable of utilizing "anonymized crowdsourced data" to help identify dead spots in cellular networks. Patent No. 8,886,178 granted to Apple Tuesday by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office describes a "location-based profile" that taps into the GPS and Wi-Fi of iOS devices to determine areas where phone calls drop or data transfers fail, with the end goal of improving network coverage for everyone.<br /><br />Apple's proposed solution to this age-old problem is a diagnostics tool described as "an app or background task" that creates a profile while inside a geofence, seeking out interruptions in the wireless signals and reporting them to a central server for further analysis. The tool would be capable of analyzing a wide range of connectivity options, including dropped calls, SMS text messages, and baseband problems.<br /><br />No word on if or when Apple might implement such a crowdsourced solution; the patent filing dates back to 2010 and includes a provision for removing the profile for a known poor geofence area from the server, should the iOS device determine the problem has been resolved.</p><h3>Developers Receive Second OS X Yosemite 10.10.1 Beta</h3><p><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2014/11/10/yosemite-10-10-1-build-14b23/" target="_blank">MacRumors reported Monday</a> that Apple has begun seeding a second developer beta for OS X Yosemite 10.0.1 only one week after the previous build. Developers have been asked to focus on Wi-Fi, Exchange accounts in Mail, and Notification Center with the pre-released build 14B23, with the first item being a particularly thorny issue for many Mac users since the release of Yosemite last month.<br /><br />As usual, developers can download the latest OS X Yosemite beta build directly from the Updates tab in the Mac App Store, or directly from Apple's Mac Developer Center online.</p><h3>Corel AfterShot Pro 2 Now Available from Mac App Store</h3><p>Despite many Mac developers openly criticizing how much Apple has locked down the Mac App Store, each month it seems like more previously standalone titles continue to join the ranks. <a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/-1964725.htm" target="_blank">The latest is Corel AfterShot Pro 2</a>, billed as "fast and powerful RAW photo editing software" that is now available for purchase on the Mac App Store priced at $79.99.<br /><br />"Debuting on the Mac App Store is a sign of our focus on the Mac and our desire to win Mac users over to an amazing photo editing package," explained Greg Wood, senior product director, Corel Photo editing. "With the demise of Aperture, we are eager to bring Mac-users more powerful ways to quickly and efficiently process their RAW photos, and we are sure Aftershot Pro 2 is the ideal tool to unlock the freedom and flexibility of shooting with RAW."<br /><br /><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aftershot-pro-2/id917998614?l=zh&amp;ls=1&amp;mt=12" target="_blank">Corel AfterShot Pro 2</a> includes full support for 64-bit processors, updated RAW camera profiles, Workspace enhancements, easier batch processing, and local contrast, and it also bundles award-winning noise removal technology from Athentech Imaging into the package.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="https://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Image courtesy of AppleInsider and USPTO)</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/morning_report_apple_patents_network_diagnostics_yosemite_beta_aftershot_pro_2#commentsNewsAfterShot Pro 2apple ceoapple patentsCorelcrowdsourcingMorning ReportOS X YosemiteTim CookVeteran's Daywireless networksiPadiPhoneiPodMacTue, 11 Nov 2014 13:43:35 +0000J.R. Bookwalter20920 at http://www.maclife.comPatent Filing Details Future Remote App with Apple TV-Style User Interfacehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/patent_filing_details_future_remote_app_apple_tvstyle_user_interface
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/apple_tv_remote_app_patent_620px.png" alt="iPhone Remote app patent" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Apple's existing Remote app is a pretty minimalist way for controlling iTunes or an Apple TV, but a new patent filed by the iPhone maker this week shows Cupertino may have far more ambitious plans yet to come.<br /><br /><a href="http://appleinsider.com/articles/14/10/02/apples-next-gen-ios-remote-app-solution-could-boast-full-apple-tv-guis-interactive-content" target="_blank">AppleInsider today reported</a> on a new Apple patent filing with the <a href="http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&amp;Sect2=HITOFF&amp;u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.html&amp;r=4&amp;p=1&amp;f=G&amp;l=50&amp;d=PG01&amp;S1=(726%2F3.CCLS.+AND+20141002.PD.)&amp;OS=ccl/726/3+and+pd/10/2/2014&amp;RS=(CCL/726/3+AND+PD/20141002)" target="_blank">U.S. Patent and Trademark Office</a> that could point to big changes on the way for the free, universal Remote app currently available on the App Store.<br /><br />The filing entitled "Browsing remote content using a native user interface" appears to show a more robust Apple TV-like graphical user interface intended for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad displays.<br /><br />"The disclosed technology relates to receiving media signals from a media device and rendering a user interface that is native to the device receiving the media signals based on information encoded in the media signals," the patent filing reads.<br /><br />"The device receiving the media signal interprets information received from the media device describing media content and semantic information describing a type of interface page, and displays the content based on the semantic information in a graphical user interface (GUI) on the electronic device based on the interpretation."<br /><br />According to the filing, Apple's patent would provide something closer to mirroring an Apple TV user interface on a mobile device, but dynamically resized and optimized to fit the receiving display. Rather than acting simply as a touchscreen trackpad, the app would display synopsis and cast information, poster artwork, ratings, purchase details, and more.<br /><br />Apple's patent details both active and passive operation, with the former intended for controlling the Apple TV in real time, with feedback showing immediately on a connected television screen. On the other hand, passive mode would allow users to browse Apple TV content even while the device is streaming media to a connected HDTV, without interrupting playback.<br /><br />First filed in March, 2013, there's no indication from the patent filing as to when a next-generation Remote app might arrive, but we'd say a release timed closer to the release of a refreshed Apple TV would be a likely guess.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="https://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p><em>(Images courtesy of USPTO)</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/patent_filing_details_future_remote_app_apple_tvstyle_user_interface#commentsNewsapple patentsapple remoteApple TVhdtvremote appRemote ControlStreaming mediaUser InterfaceUSPTOiPadiPhoneiPodThu, 02 Oct 2014 23:17:33 +0000J.R. Bookwalter20721 at http://www.maclife.comMorning Report: Still More iPhone 6 Parts, NYC Glass Cube Patent, Dropbox Prohttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/morning_report_still_more_iphone_6_parts_nyc_glass_cube_patent_dropbox_pro
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/iphone_6_sim_tray_home_button_parts_620px.png" alt="iPhone 6 SIM tray &amp; home button parts" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>We hope you like the existing iPhone color options, because Apple appears to be continuing that tradition with this year's iPhone 6 — that is, if a new set of leaked components can be believed. Thursday's Morning Report also has details on a patent for Apple's iconic glass cube store, along with Dropbox going on the offensive with its cheapest cloud storage yet. What are you waiting for? Click and read on for more!</p><h3>iPhone 6 Components Confirm Same Trio of Color Options</h3><p>Getting sick of iPhone 6 leaks yet and hoping Apple will just announce the thing already? <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2014/08/28/iphone-6-rear-logo-revamped-speaker/" target="_blank">MacRumors today reported</a> that yet another batch of leaked components have turned up online, this time in a triumvirate of color schemes which seemingly confirm Cupertino's plans to unleash the handset in the Space Grey, Silver, and Gold options currently available with the iPhone 5s.<br /><br />Among the parts shown are the nano-SIM card tray, the Touch ID-enabled home button, and an embedded Apple logo from the rear of the handset, which appears to contradict earlier rumors of a scratch-resistant Liquidmetal alloy. However, the component marks the first time since the original iPhone in 2007 that Apple has returned to an embedded logo component.<br /><br />Last but not least, the <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&amp;sl=auto&amp;tl=en&amp;u=http://www.nowhereelse.fr/iphone-6-nouveaux-composants-pagaille-100424/" target="_blank">leaked images from Nowhereelse.fr</a> (via Google Translate) appear to show off both the internal speaker as well as the vibration motor of the alleged iPhone 6, which is expected to be unveiled on September 9.</p><h3>Apple Nabs Patent for Iconic Glass Cube Flagship Store Design</h3><p>Usually when Apple patent filings make headlines, it's because Cupertino has some amazing new technology up its sleeve. But this week, <a href="http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2014/08/apple-wins-a-patent-for-their-famous-nyc-glass-store-design.html" target="_blank">Patently Apple reported</a> that the iPhone maker has also filed for both trademark and patent design protection for its most famous retail store, the so-called "glass cube" on Fifth Avenue in New York City.<br /><br />First filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office back in August 2010, the trademark on that iconic design may still be pending, but Apple was recently granted the design patent D712,067, protecting yet another invention that credits late co-founder Steve Jobs as one of the structure's inventors and designers.</p><h3>Dropbox Pro Takes Aim at Google Drive with 1TB for $10/Mo.</h3><p><a href="https://blog.dropbox.com/2014/08/introducing-more-powerful-dropbox-pro/" target="_blank">The Dropbox Blog announced Wednesday</a> an extensive revamp of Dropbox Pro, the cloud storage provider's paid service tier. Although Dropbox is widely considered something of a cheapskate when it comes to storage capacity, the company has moved to eliminate that perception by distilling its Pro offering to a single pricing plan: 1TB of space for only $9.99 per month.<br /><br />That matches a similar Google Drive offer launched earlier this year, and now makes Dropbox an exceptional value, especially considering the extensive range of features included. In addition to the price change, Dropbox Pro now includes new sharing controls including passwords and expirations for shared links, as well as view-only permission for shared folders. Pro users also have the option to unlink a lost or stolen computer from their account, remotely wiping the contents of a Dropbox account from that system in the process.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter<br /><br />(Image courtesy of MacRumors and Nowhereelse.fr)</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/morning_report_still_more_iphone_6_parts_nyc_glass_cube_patent_dropbox_pro#commentsNewsapple leaksapple patentsApple Retail StorescomponentsDropboxDropbox Proflagshipiphone 6Morning ReportiPadiPhoneMacThu, 28 Aug 2014 12:20:00 +0000J.R. Bookwalter20541 at http://www.maclife.comOvernight Recap: Chinese Siri Patent, Flash Update, Apple Retail Reflectionhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_chinese_siri_patent_flash_update_apple_retail_reflection
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/siri_what_can_i_help_you_with_620px.png" alt="Siri &quot;what can I help you with?&quot;" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>If you happen to own Analog on the Mac or Analog Camera on iPhone, you may notice some changes soon. That's because both apps have been handed off <a href="http://blog.appuous.com/post/90421306892/appuous-acquires-analog-from-realmac" target="_blank">from Realmac Software to new owner Appuous</a>, who plans to revolutionize "the way people capture meaningful moments and how they translate those moments to creative, beautiful works of photography" with future updates. And there just so happens to be more on iPhone photography in today's recap, so read on...</p><h3>Chinese Court Rebuffs Apple Patent Suit Over Siri Clone</h3><p><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/07/09/us-apple-china-idUSKBN0FE0DR20140709" target="_blank">Reuters reported Wednesday</a> that a court in Beijing has ruled against Apple in the case of a speech-recognition patent held by Chinese firm Zhizhen Internet Technology. Apple sued the company in an effort to invalidate what appeared to be a clone of its own Siri, but the Beijing First Intermediate Court apparently doesn't agree with that assessment. "Unfortunately, we were not aware of Zhizhen's patent before we introduced Siri and we do not believe we are using this patent," an Apple spokeswoman in Beijing told Reuters. Cupertino will now pursue the matter in the Higher People's Court, but remains "open to reasonable discussions with Zhizhen."</p><h3>Another Adobe Flash Security Flaw Discovered, Update Now</h3><p>Adobe may have given up on Flash for mobile devices, but it's very much alive and well on the desktop, and continues to make headlines — but sadly, for all the wrong reasons. <a href="http://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/flash-player/apsb14-17.html#table" target="_blank">Adobe issued a Security Bulletin this week</a> to notify users of yet another vulnerability discovered with Flash Player for Mac, Windows, and Linux "that could potentially allow an attacker to take control of the affected system." The issue scored a priority rating of one, making it an absolute no-brainer that desktop computer users should play it safe and download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player as soon as possible.</p><h3>Former Apple Retail Executive Reflects on Early Days</h3><p><a href="http://www.ifoapplestore.com/2014/07/09/former-retail-chief-recalls-the-early-years/" target="_blank">ifo Apple Store reported yesterday</a> that former Apple senior vice-president of retail Ron Johnson recently made a presentation at Stanford's Graduate School of Business "From the Top" series, where he looked back at how Cupertino took the leap into retail. First hired in 2000, Johnson was instrumental in being one of the first retailers to offer in-store, high-speed Wi-Fi connections for shoppers — a rarity for any business back in those days. Johnson also shared details of how Steve Jobs redesigned the original Apple Store nearly at the last minute after trusting his VP's instincts that it wasn't living up to being a "digital hub." The article also covers Johnson's departure from Apple in 2011 and a somewhat disastrous brief tenure as CEO of JCPenney, which ended last year.</p><h3>Vimeo Debuts All-New Apple TV UI with On Demand Trailers</h3><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/blog/post:638" target="_blank">Vimeo announced Wednesday</a> a "sleeker, easier-to-use" version of the streaming provider's service on Apple TV, offering simplified navigation that makes it easier to discover popular videos, view staff favorites, take in selections from your Watch Later queue, and jump quickly to your own content. The service is also making it easier to browse paid Vimeo On Demand titles, with trailers now available for viewing and the ability to add such content to a Watch Later queue for purchasing from the desktop. Last but not least, Vimeo now respects Apple TV content filter preferences while logged in, and only shows content safe for all audiences when logged out.</p><h3>Makers of Camera+ Debut iPhone Photography Blog</h3><p>iPhone photography is becoming a Really Big Deal, so why shouldn't there be a place to read more about it? Camera+ and MagiCam developers tap tap tap debuted <a href="http://snapsnapsnap.photos/introducing-snap-snap-snap/" target="_blank">a new blog called snap snap snap on Wednesday</a> which promises to offer "rad video tutorials, features, interviews, and inspirational galleries about all things related to mobile photography." For now, the content is limited to a single introduction post with an accompanying video that attempts to tease what's coming, but you can check back regularly in the days ahead to see what's new.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="https://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p><em>(Image courtesy of iDownloadBlog.com)</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/overnight_recap_chinese_siri_patent_flash_update_apple_retail_reflection#commentsNewsAdobe Flash Playerapple chinaapple patentsApple Retail StoresInternet securityovernight recapRon JohnsonSiriVimeoiPadiPhoneiPodMacThu, 10 Jul 2014 12:36:54 +0000J.R. Bookwalter20289 at http://www.maclife.comLatest Apple v. Samsung Patent Battle Ends with $119.6M Whimperhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/latest_apple_v_samsung_patent_battle_ends_1196m_whimper
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/apple_v_samsung_reading_verdict_620px.png" alt="Apple v. Samsung verdict" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>The verdict is in, and there's no dancing in the streets of Cupertino, as a Samsung attorney last week told a jury there would be if they awarded Apple even $100 million in the latest courtroom fracas, which turned out to be pretty close to the end verdict.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cnet.com/news/apple-samsung-verdict/" target="_blank">CNET reported Friday</a> that the latest Apple v. Samsung courtroom drama over patent infringement ended not with a bang, but a whimper from both sides as an eight-person jury delivered a decidedly "mixed verdict" unlikely to stop the Korean smartphone giant from mimicking Cupertino in the future.<br /><br />Although the jury did find Samsung guilty of patent infringement against Apple on the '647 "quick links" patent, the more lucrative '721 "slide to unlock" patent ultimately only applied to older devices such as the Galaxy Nexus. A pretrial judgment also added the '172 "automatic word correction" patent to Samsung's misdeeds.<br /><br />Unfortunately for Apple, the damages wound up being a far cry from the $2.2 billion the iPhone maker was hoping for, with the $119.6 million award against Samsung ultimately being little more than a slap on the wrist to the Korean consumer electronics company.<br /><br />"Today's ruling reinforces what courts around the world have already found: That Samsung willfully stole our ideas and copied our products," an Apple spokesperson said in a statement Friday night. "We are fighting to defend the hard work that goes into beloved products like the iPhone, which our employees devote their lives to designing and delivering for our customers."<br /><br />Samsung was also awarded what amounts to pocket change for the Galaxy maker, with a mere $158,400 in damages over a '448 patent on photo and video folder organization; the company had sought $6.2 million in damages from Apple.<br /><br />And it's not over yet: Attorneys for Apple have called out a potential error by the jury, which awarded no damages on the '172 patent for one infringing product, the Samsung Galaxy SII. That mistake will bring the jury back to work Monday, but it's unlikely to boost Cupertino's awarded damages by much.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Image courtesy of CNET)</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/latest_apple_v_samsung_patent_battle_ends_1196m_whimper#commentsNewsApple Inc.apple patentsApple v. Samsungcourtroom dramaGalaxy NexusPatentsSamsungslide to unlocksmartphonesiPadiPhoneMon, 05 May 2014 13:12:44 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19896 at http://www.maclife.comSamsung Says They Don't "Owe Apple a Nickel" in Latest Patent Suithttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/samsung_says_they_dont_owe_apple_nickel_latest_patent_suit
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/samsung_galaxy_s_ii_booth_babes_620px.png" alt="Samsung booth babes" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>The latest round of Apple v. Samsung is finally drawing to a close, but not before the Korean smartphone manufacturer lashes out against their Cupertino rival in closing arguments.<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2014/04/29/apple-samsung-trade-final-barbs-rival-damage-figures/" target="_blank"><em>The Wall Street Journal</em> reported Tuesday</a> that Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics have finally wound down their latest courtroom patent dispute, in which Cupertino seeks $2.2 billion in damages over claims its Korean rival shamelessly copied features from the iconic iPhone.<br /><br />“We don’t think we owe Apple a nickel,” said Samsung attorney John Quinn during closing remarks Tuesday. “They’ll be dancing in the streets of Cupertino if you give them $100 million.”<br /><br />The stakes are considerably higher for Samsung, who is seeking a mere $7 million in damages in a countersuit over two patents the Korean manufacturer claims Apple has infringed upon. Samsung has already lost one major courtroom battle with Apple, who alleges the world's largest Android OEM had no smartphone or tablet market prior to the introduction of the iPhone and iPad.<br /><br />“Where was Samsung before the iPhone? You know the answer to that one. They didn’t even have a smartphone,” said Apple lawyer Harold McElhinny, scolding Samsung executives for not "being brave enough" to face cross-examination during the four-week trial.<br /><br />“Samsung was committed with trying to get away from patent infringement,” McElhinny concluded. “Apple simply cannot walk away from its inventions. We’re counting on you for justice.”<br /><br />The Apple v. Samsung jury began deliberations on Tuesday, which are expected to continue through Wednesday.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/samsung_says_they_dont_owe_apple_nickel_latest_patent_suit#commentsNewsApple Inc.apple patentsApple v. Samsungattorneysclosing argumentscourtroomiPadiphonelawyersSamsungiPadiPhoneWed, 30 Apr 2014 13:13:40 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19864 at http://www.maclife.comGoogle Steps Out of Shadows in Latest Apple v. Samsung Patent Suithttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/google_steps_out_shadows_latest_apple_v_samsung_patent_suit
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/samsung_android_peeking_620px.png" alt="Samsung Android peeking" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>The latest courtroom battle between Apple and Samsung took an interesting turn this week as an attorney for Android maker Google finally took the stand to confirm the search giant is lending its biggest original equipment manufacturer a helping hand.<br /><br /><a href="http://recode.net/2014/04/22/google-agreed-to-pick-up-at-least-some-of-samsungs-legal-defense-in-apple-case/" target="_blank">Re/code reported Tuesday</a> that Samsung may not be entirely on the hook if the Korean manufacturer should lose its latest courtroom tussle with Apple, thanks to Google picking up at least some of the liability.<br /><br />According to testimony from Google lawyer James Maccoun, the Android maker "agreed to provide partial or full indemnity" for Samsung and even take over defending four patents which Apple claims were effectively stolen. Two of those patents were tossed out prior to trial, while the remaining '414 and '959 patents cover background synchronization and universal search.<br /><br />Samsung and Google declined to comment more specifically on exactly what legal tab the latter might pick up, but Apple is seeking as much as $2 billion in damages against the Korean smartphone giant for the latest infringement claims.<br /><br />Curiously, some of the features being targeted by Apple were actually created by Google, but patent laws allow companies to go after the product that uses such infringing code — and as the report noted, Samsung financially benefits from the Android platform, while Google essentially gives it away.<br /><br />Samsung also appears to have been caught in a bald-faced lie: After claiming in September 2012 the company was not "seeking indemnification from any party," Apple presented Google and Samsung emails dated between May and December, which clearly indicated the search giant was willing to help finance Samsung's legal defense.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a><br /><br />(Images courtesy of AndroidGuys.com and Gadgets.NDTV.com)</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/google_steps_out_shadows_latest_apple_v_samsung_patent_suit#commentsNewsApple Inc.apple patentsApple v. Samsungcourtroom dramaGooglelawyerspatent infringementPatentsSamsungtestimonyiPadiPhoneWed, 23 Apr 2014 12:59:55 +0000J.R. Bookwalter19806 at http://www.maclife.comApple Rumored to Purchase Creators of Technology Behind Microsoft Kinecthttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_rumored_purchase_creators_technology_behind_microsoft_kinect
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/apple_3d_imaging_patent_620px.png" alt="Apple 3D imaging patent" width="620" height="300" /></p><p>Now here's an interesting rumor: Although Microsoft already owns its Kinect technology, the Israeli company that created it could soon find itself with a new corporate address in Cupertino, California.<br /><a href="http://9to5mac.com/2013/07/16/report-apple-mulling-280m-purchase-of-primesense-the-israeili-3d-body-sensor-firm-behind-microsoft-kinect/" target="_blank"><br />9to5Mac reported Tuesday</a> that the makers of Microsoft's Kinect technology are rumored to be in acquisition talks with Apple, which could net the company upwards of $280 million or more.<br /><br />According to Israeli publication Calcalist.co.il, senior executives from PrimeSense have been making pilgrimages to Apple's engineering offices recently, and that acquisition talks have heated up as a result.<br /><br />PrimeSense creations have been used not only in the original Microsoft Kinect (since replaced by in-house technology) but also the Asus WAVI Xtion, a home media controller for the living room.<br /><br />It's not hard to imagine that's exactly what Apple is after, having been rumored to license intellectual property rights from PrimeSense for its own 3D gesture interface. Judging from this latest news, Cupertino may have decided that an outright purchase is likely the best way to keep such technology out of the hands of competitors.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter<br /></a><br />(Image courtesy of Patently Apple)</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_rumored_purchase_creators_technology_behind_microsoft_kinect#commentsNews3DacquisitionsApple Inc.apple patentsdisplay systemgesturesIsraelKinectMicrosoftPrimeSenseRumorsTue, 16 Jul 2013 12:51:02 +0000J.R. Bookwalter17534 at http://www.maclife.comApple's 'Steve Jobs' Patent Found Invalid by USPTOhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apples_steve_jobs_patent_found_invalid_uspto
<!--paging_filter--><p>If you were to take all the patent-related Apple news over this past year, end to end, it would stretch to the moon and back. OK, maybe not that much -- but it seems like every time we turn around there's commotion over Apple losing a patent, or suing another electronics maker for infringement. Today, the USPTO has overturned yet another Apple filing, the second in as many months.</p><p>As noted by the <a href="http://www.fosspatents.com/2012/12/us-patent-office-declares-steve-jobs.html" target="_blank">Foss Patents blog</a>, the United States Patent and Trademark office has "tentatively" declared an Apple patent covering multitouch as invalid on all accounts. Commonly referred to as the "Steve Jobs" patent, <a href="http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&amp;Sect2=HITOFF&amp;d=PALL&amp;p=1&amp;u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.htm&amp;r=1&amp;f=G&amp;l=50&amp;s1=7479949.PN.&amp;OS=PN/7479949&amp;RS=PN/7479949" target="_blank">filing No. 7,479,949</a> contains 20 claims in regards to "touch screen device, method, and graphical user interface for determining commands by applying heuristics."</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u323900/apple949patent1.png" alt="USPTO overturns Steve Jobs patent" /></p><p>While many names are listed with the '949 patent, Jobs's name is listed first. The very same patent was successfully used as part of Apple's <a href="http://www.maclife.com/search/apple%20v%20samsung" target="_blank">case against Samsung</a> last August, but was unsuccessful in persuading the court in a <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/columns/law_apple_apple_misses_motorola_stacks_deck_samsung" target="_blank">recent filing against Motorola</a>. Judge Posner, who presided over the Motorola trial, forbid Apple from referring to the patent as the "Steve Jobs patent."</p><p>Of course, this is only a preliminary decision by the USPTO, and there's still a chance the patent could be upheld through later channels. But as Foss further notes, the complete rejection of the entire patent filing is a potentially bad omen for Apple.</p><p>Back in October, the USPTO also ruled the "rubber-banding" Apple patent as invalid. The ruling is also still tentative, and contains 20 claims.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Follow this article's author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/clarkmatt" target="_blank">Matt Clark on Twitter</a>.</em></p><p><em>Image Source: Foss Patents/USPTO</em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apples_steve_jobs_patent_found_invalid_uspto#commentsNewsappleapple patent overturnedapple patentsMotorolaSamsungUSPTOFri, 07 Dec 2012 22:03:16 +0000Matt Clark15763 at http://www.maclife.comApple Secures More Patents, Samsung Vows To Fighthttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_secures_more_patents_samsung_vows_fight
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u323900/apple_patent.png" alt="Apple Patent" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />On Friday, Apple more or less crushed Samsung in a patent infringement suit. Since then, things have gone exceptionally well for Cupertino, including a major boost in the value of the company's shares on Monday. This morning, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office published even more Apple patents, many of which apply to iOS devices.</p><p>As noted by <a href="http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/12/08/28/apple_awarded_litany_of_vital_ios_gui_patent_continuations.html" target="_blank">Apple Insider</a>, a '695 patent (<a href="http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&amp;Sect2=HITOFF&amp;u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.htm&amp;r=52&amp;p=2&amp;f=G&amp;l=50&amp;d=PTXT&amp;S1=(apple.ASNM.+AND+20120828.PD.)&amp;OS=an/apple+and+isd/8/28/2012&amp;RS=(AN/apple+AND+ISD/20120828)" target="_blank">No. 8,253,695</a>) was filed for back in 2007. The filing calls for an "email client for a portable multifunction device." While most of the email GUI won't seem revolutionary to current iPhone users, the organization of screen real estate is pretty interesting. When an email is opened, the inbox list remains above the email, meaning both areas are available for browsing. There's always a possibility Apple could work the design into a future iOS.</p><p>Other patents published on Tuesday include a '789 patent (<a href="http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&amp;Sect2=HITOFF&amp;u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.htm&amp;r=14&amp;p=1&amp;f=G&amp;l=50&amp;d=PTXT&amp;S1=(apple.ASNM.+AND+20120828.PD.)&amp;OS=an/apple+and+isd/8/28/2012&amp;RS=(AN/apple+AND+ISD/20120828)" target="_blank">No. 8,255,798</a>) which builds off the '381 "rubber banding" UI patent the jury pushed against Samsung on Friday. Patent <a href="http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&amp;Sect2=HITOFF&amp;u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-adv.htm&amp;r=25&amp;p=1&amp;f=G&amp;l=50&amp;d=PTXT&amp;S1=(apple.ASNM.+AND+20120828.PD.)&amp;OS=an/apple+and+isd/8/28/2012&amp;RS=(AN/apple+AND+ISD/20120828)" target="_blank">No. 8,255,428</a>, filed in 2011, presents a "graphical user interface for database browsing and navigation," including a pie-chart style way to sort music by category.</p><p>Other patents were in regards to familiar iOS functions like the magnifying glass feature when holding your finger on text, and automatic dialing when touching a contact's name.</p><p>Following Apple's notice to the court yesterday, where the company listed <a href="http://www.maclife.com/article/news/monday_recap_iphone_5_nfc_chip_apple_stock_soars_eight_possibly_banned_samsung_devices" target="_blank">eight Samsung devices it believes should be banned</a> from U.S. sales, Samsung has promised to fight back.</p><p>"We will take all necessary measures to ensure the availability of our products in the U.S. market," said Samsung in a statement issued to <a href="http://professional.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444914904577616421507214932.html" target="_blank">The Wall Street Journal this morning</a>.</p><p>A statement that comes as a surprise to absolutely no one. How long do you think the appeals process will drag on?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><em>Follow this articles author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/ClarkMatt" target="_blank">Matt Clark on Twitter.</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_secures_more_patents_samsung_vows_fight#commentsNewsapple patentsApple v. SamsungiOSTue, 28 Aug 2012 14:17:26 +0000Matt Clark14907 at http://www.maclife.comThe Lifer: Predicting Where Apple's Going Nexthttp://www.maclife.com/article/columns/lifer_predicting_where_apples_going_next
<!--paging_filter--><h3>In countless corners of the internet, predicting Apple’s next products is practically its own sport. Rik Myslewski shows you how to get in the game.</h3><p><img src="/files/u129772/2010/06/rik_150.jpg" width="150" height="201" style="float: right;" class="graphic-right" /></p><p>Want to be able to predict the future? Well, maybe not everything in the future, but at least what Apple is contemplating for future products. Interested?<br /><br />Okay, then launch Safari and point it to <a href="http://www.uspto.gov" target="_blank">www.uspto.gov</a>. When that website opens, you’ll see a line in the upper-right corner that says “search for patents.” Click it. On the page that appears, find the USPTO Patent Application Full-Text and Image Database section, and click Quick Search. In the entry form that pops up, type “Apple” into the Term 1 box, choose Assignee Name in the drop-down menu that’s labeled In Field 1, then click the Search button.<br /><br />The next thing you’ll see is a list of Apple patent applications, beginning with the most recent. Among them you’ll find everything from fascinatingly futuristic filings such as #20110163944, which describes a method for your iOS device’s motion sensors to enable you to “pour” data from one device to another; to the thoroughly geeky, such as #20120082236, which describes optimized deblocking filters. If you’re curious about what the heck that means, know that you can search by Document Number in that same drop-down menu.<br /><br />The USPTO publishes its patent applications every Thursday morning, and if you want to be your coterie’s alpha geek, you’ll check it before you’re off to school, the office, or the preschool playground.<br /><br />Now about that “predict the future” promise: among the couple of dozen or so weekly Apple patent applications, you’ll occasionally stumble upon one that presages future products--maybe not precisely, but certainly enough for you to glimpse what’s going on in the well-shuttered labs of One Infinite Loop.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2012/07/ipadpatent.jpg" width="620" height="497" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Before the iPad was released, there was patent application #20080204426.</strong></p><p>Take, for example, application #20060197753, which was submitted to the USPTO in March 2006 and published that September. It describes a “Multi-functional hand-held device” with capabilities quite like those that eventually showed up in the iPhone. At the January 2007 event during which Steve Jobs introduced that world-conquering device, he first displayed three separate product logos, saying that Apple was introducing a “revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and a breakthrough internet communications device.” He then--surprise!--revealed that those three new products were actually a single device: the “Multi-functional hand-held” iPhone.<br /><br />Then there’s US Patent #20080204426, “Gestures for touch sensitive input devices,” which was filed in April 2008 and published in August of that year. This patent describes the multi-touch input system that would appear on the iPad. When Apple’s überpopular touchscreen tablet--what we at The Register call a fondleslab--appeared in January 2009, we patent geeks already had a head start on understanding its capabilities.<br /><br />But don’t for a nanosecond think that each and every patent application holds secrets of Apple’s Next Big Thing™. Most are down-in-the-weeds techie stuff of interest only to engineers. And some are so thoroughly off the wall that it’s unlikely that products based on them will ever see the light of day.<br /><br />My favorite exemplar of that last category is #20090000010, an item that Apple describes as a “High tactility glove system.” Essentially, the HTGS is a two-layer cold-weather glove with a conductive inner layer that can poke out through holes in the fingertips of the outer layer, thus enabling its wearer to tickle his or her iOS device without freezing his or her digits.<br /><br />Then there’s a touchscreen mouse, #20110012838; a keyboard that emits a puff of air as your finger approaches it, #20110107958; a beefy bass booster for laptops, #20120082317; and a low-travel keyboard for slim laptops that includes option keys made of “polished meteorite,” #20120043191. Trust me, there’s a lot to be found on Thursday morning, even if searching <a href="http://www.uspto.gov" target="_blank">www.uspto.gov</a> requires setting your alarm a wee bit earlier. Works for me.</p><p>--<br /><em>Since the late 1980s, Rik Myslewski has paid his rent by keeping an eye on Apple. He was editor-in-chief of&nbsp;</em>MacAddict<em>&nbsp;from 2001 until its transformation into&nbsp;</em>Mac|Life<em>&nbsp;in early 2007, and is now a member of the snarkily sophisticated team at London’s&nbsp;</em>The Register<em>, which is “biting the hand that feeds IT” daily at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.theregister.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.theregister.co.uk</a>.</em></p>http://www.maclife.com/article/columns/lifer_predicting_where_apples_going_next#commentsAnalysisapple patentsColumnsPatentPredictionsthe liferiPadiPhoneiPodMacWed, 09 May 2012 15:23:24 +0000Rik Myslewski14018 at http://www.maclife.comTuesday Recap: March 7 Rumors, iWallet, Android Market Becomes Google Playhttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/tuesday_recap_march_7_rumors_iwallet_android_market_becomes_google_play
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/google_play_200px.png" alt="Google Play cloud sync" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />’Twas the night before Apple’s March 7 media event and not a creature was stirring -- but the same cannot be said for our daily recap! Yes, we’ve got those last-minute iPad 3/iPad HD rumors everyone wants to read, but also a few patent-related updates and some news on how Google is reworking its Android Market to be more like iTunes. Okay, you can at least feign surprise, can’t you? Without further ado, here’s what’s making news for this Tuesday, March 6, 2012.</p><h3>Report: No A6 Chip for iPad 3, But 4G LTE and Apple TV A-OK?</h3><p>Our Tuesday recap wouldn’t be complete without a few final rumors leading up to tomorrow’s Apple media event, right? <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/3/6/2849384/sources-apple-tv-update-ipad-3-ipad-hd-lte-verizon-att" target="_blank">Sources are telling The Verge</a> that a new iPad 3/HD is a lock with 4G LTE for both Verizon and AT&amp;T, but the third tablet will not come sporting a quad-core A6 processor as previously rumored. Instead, we’ll apparently be getting the “A5X, a dual-core SoC said to have a more powerful GPU.” According to their sources, the A6 is being held back for this year’s launch of the iPhone 5, but the next iPad will beef up the RAM to make up for it. Verizon and AT&amp;T will have separate models available -- sorry, no dual-mode iPad 3, folks -- and “a third international model” will also tackle only CDMA and GSM 3G data, similar to what the iPhone 4S already does. Last but not least, that new Apple TV we reported about this morning appears to be a lock, but still no word on what the device might bring to the table beyond 1080p.</p><h3>Apple Awarded Patent for iWallet</h3><p>For Apple fans who think the folks in Cupertino are just sitting on the near-field communication sidelines letting Google have all the fun, read on! <a href="http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2012/03/apple-wins-patent-for-iwallet-the-one-that-will-rule-the-world.html" target="_blank">Patently Apple is reporting</a> “Apple has received a major Granted Patent that generally relates to establishing financial transaction rules for controlling a subsidiary financial account and, more particularly, to various systems, methods, and electronic devices configured to provide for the establishment of such rules.” That would be a major iWallet patent which “reviews credit card transaction rules and show us that the credit card companies will be sending statements directly to your iTunes account.” Sound exciting? It is, but remember: iWallet patents have been floating around since May, 2010 and Apple has yet to unleash anything which could even remotely fit the bill. Given the company’s annual refresh of the iPhone, we’d say 2012 has a good chance of being the year we’ll see an NFC chip inside the handset, but no need to go stuffing your iTunes account with cold, hard cash quite yet.</p><h3>Court Orders Google, Motorola to Pony Up Android Data to Apple</h3><p><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-06/google-ordered-by-judge-to-give-apple-information-on-android-development.html" target="_blank">Bloomberg is reporting</a> that Apple may soon be granted a peek into the development of Google’s Android operating system. According to U.S. Circuit Judge Richard A. Posner, “the Android/Motorola acquisition discovery is highly relevant to Apple’s claims and defenses,” despite the objections of Google attorneys. The discovery information from Google and Motorola outlines the pending $12.5 billion acquisition of the hardware maker, which is a more recent development in Apple’s patent lawsuit against Motorola Mobility filed in 2010. Judge Posner has “scheduled back-to-back trials before separate juries starting June 11,” with the first of these addressing “six Apple patents, and the second will cover three Motorola patents.” For their part, Google’s lawyers claim “Google’s employees and documents are not within the ‘possession, custody, or control’ of Motorola, and Motorola cannot force Google to produce documents or witnesses over Google’s objections.” Of course, it could just be a matter of time before Apple goes after Google directly...</p><h3>Android Market Converted Into iTunes-Style Google Play</h3><p><a href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/introducing-google-play-all-your.html" target="_blank">The Google Official Blog announced today</a> that the Android Market you know and love is getting a bit of a facelift -- not to mention a whole new name. <a href="https://play.google.com/about/features/" target="_blank">Google Play</a> is being rolled out this week in an effort to streamline the search giant’s mobile marketplace as “a digital entertainment destination where you can find, enjoy and share your favorite music, movies, books and apps on the web and on your Android phone or tablet.” Translation: Android Market is a bit more like iTunes now. But hey, that’s okay -- Google Play continues to offer free storage for up to 20,000 songs, the ability to download more than 450,000 Android apps, what’s touted as “the world’s largest selection” of ebooks and thousands of movies. To celebrate the rollout, Google Play is offering a “Seven Days to Play” sale with 25-cent music, 49-cent apps and 99-cent movies. Google Play will ultimately replace Android Market on devices in the coming weeks as well.</p><h3>Apple May Be Willing to Settle Over Android Patents for $5-15 Per Device</h3><p><a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2012/03/06/apple-proposing-settlements-in-android-device-patent-disputes-would-reap-5-15-per-android-device/" target="_blank">MacRumors is reporting</a> that Apple may be seeking settlements in its long-running patent battles with Samsung, Motorola and others. <a href="http://www.nasdaq.com/article/apple-offered-licensing-deals-to-some-patent-foes--sources-20120306-01221" target="_blank">According to Dow Jones Newswires</a>, Apple “has put forth proposals to Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. (MMI) and Samsung Electronics Co. (005930.SE, SSNHY) to settle some pending litigation in exchange for royalty payments to license its patents, among other terms.” Statements made in court in at least one of these suits indicate “Apple had some discussions with companies such as Samsung before initiating litigation” -- which means the move by Cupertino is nothing new. So how much is Apple willing to settle for? “Between $5 and $15 per handsets for some of its patents,” which amounts to anywhere between one and 2.5 percent of net sales -- ironically, the same amount Motorola attempted to bilk out of Apple for the use of its own patents.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/tuesday_recap_march_7_rumors_iwallet_android_market_becomes_google_play#commentsNewsandroidapple patentsApple TVApple vs. Motoroladaily recapGoogle PlayiPad 3iTunesiWalletnew ipadpatent warsiPadiPhoneTue, 06 Mar 2012 23:32:45 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13465 at http://www.maclife.comHow Apple Controls the Future of Multitouch http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/how_apple_controls_future_multitouch
<!--paging_filter--><p>On Tuesday, Apple was granted rights to <a href="https://webmail.futureus.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=ccf4e989f0604af18c623f1422ca5e31&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.patentlyapple.com%2fpatently-apple%2f2012%2f02%2fits-a-huge-day-for-apple-on-the-multi-touch-patent-front.html%23more" target="_blank">24 patents</a> pertaining to multipoint touch screen technology. They all directly relate to the iPad and iPhone, and what may lie ahead in Apple’s future.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2012/Online/multipoint-touch-screen.jpg" width="620" height="314" /></p><p>Multipoint touch screen technology allows devices to recognize when a user has placed multiple fingers on the screen. This is helpful for pinch-and-zoom, scrolling, and right-clicking. By acquiring these patents, Apple prevents competitors from sharing the same breadth of knowledge and incorporating valuable features into Androids or tablets. This is the latest development in the cold war that has ensued between Google, Microsoft, and Apple, as the titans of tech are racing to accumulate as many patents as possible in an attempt to protect their own products and maybe sabotage the competition. For instance, last December, <a href="https://webmail.futureus.com/owa/redir.aspx?C=ccf4e989f0604af18c623f1422ca5e31&amp;URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.bloomberg.com%2fnews%2f2011-12-28%2fapple-seen-hurting-shareholders-with-jobs-s-thermonuclear-patent-war-tech.html" target="_blank">Apple won a ruling</a> that forced HTC to discontinue a data detection feature in its phones that previously allowed users to call, email, and find directions with one simple keystroke. Apple’s small triumph there decreased sales for HTC and directly drove down the value of their product.<br /><br />Another prominent patent concerns multi-touch auto scanning, a crucial element in conserving the battery life of iPads. During inactivity, iPads partially shut down, triggering a second circuitry to kick in and occasionally check for touch application. In other words, this allows iPads to hibernate whenever the display turns off, yet quickly jump back into action. As this is key to the iPad’s extensive battery life, no other tablet or smartphone will be able to duplicate this level of mechanics.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/files/u307916/2012/Online/multi-touch-auto-scan.jpg" width="620" height="420" /></p><p>Some of the other patents also relate to Apple’s Magic Mouse, video editing timelines, and drop down search menus. <br /><br />Of course, over time companies will find a way to slightly alter the multipoint touch screen technology and adapt it to competitors’ devices. Aside from PCs and Androids, restaurant reservation systems (such as Open Table), airline e-ticket terminals, and ATMs could all be adversely affected by Apple’s pending hammer. In order for any of these conveniences to continue, either Apple must grant them clemency, or they must invest funding in researching alternative solutions.<br /><br />It’s likely that Apple won’t sue anyone or prevent competitors such as Samsung and Motorola from using this technology. Instead, Cupertino will add the patents to its “my army is bigger than yours” stockpile as a lingering threat for when faced litigation battles. Perhaps Apple is also using the patents to charge a fee to any companies that use this or similar technology. Regardless of Cupertino’s intentions, this new accumulation has certainly changed the rules, and Apple is once again at the head of the helm.</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/gallery/how_apple_controls_future_multitouch#commentsGalleryappleapple patentsMagic MouseMotorolamulti-touchMultipointPatentPatentsThu, 01 Mar 2012 21:26:43 +0000Brittany Fleit13422 at http://www.maclife.comTuesday Recap: More on March 7, Fight AT&T Throttling, Marvel on iBookstorehttp://www.maclife.com/article/news/tuesday_recap_more_march_7_fight_att_throttling_marvel_ibookstore
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/marvel_on_ibookstore_200px.png" alt="Marvel in iBookstore" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />Well, well, well… what have we here? An invitation to a special Apple media event in San Francisco next Wednesday, March 7 at 10am PST. Sounds to us like a new iPad is incoming, although there are also plenty of rumors about a third-generation Apple TV (not the kind with a display, mind you). But hey, maybe we’ll get some improvements to iTunes Match as well, judging from this “adaptive streaming” report below. Here’s a look at the rest of the day’s tech news for Tuesday, February 28, 2012.</p><h3>CNBC Claims Quad-Core iPad 3 with LTE, But Bungles Event Location</h3><p>Just prior to today’s official announcement from Apple about the March 7 media event, CNBC stepped in a big pile by tweeting an alert claiming that a “quad-core iPad 3 with 4G LTE” would be “unveiled in New York next week.” <a href="http://www.macrumors.com/2012/02/28/cnbc-claims-lte-quad-core-ipad-3-coming-at-new-york-media-event-next-week/" target="_blank">According to MacRumors</a>, the Twitter moment set off a firestorm of debate over its dubious source (later revealed to be an iMore.com report from two weeks ago), even backtracking at one point by claiming that an “unspecified” Apple event would take place in New York City next week. Within an hour, Apple issued invitations for the real event, which takes place next Wednesday, March 7 at the Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco -- all the way across the country. Better luck next time, CNBC...</p><h3>Apple Planning “Adaptive Streaming” Audio Format for iCloud</h3><p>It’s nice to see that Apple isn’t sitting still as the king of the digital music heap with iTunes. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/feb/28/apple-audio-file-adaptive-streaming" target="_blank">According to a new report from The Guardian</a>, the company is hard at work on “a new audio file format that will offer ‘adaptive streaming’ to provide high or low-quality files to users of its iCloud service.” The idea is that users who wish to download music to their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad will get the full, high-quality source material, but Apple could also offer a second, lower resolution version for those who prefer to stream -- a key feature of subscription services like Spotify that’s currently missing from the $24.99 per year iTunes Match, with the exception of the Mac and Apple TV. “A source with inside knowledge of the process says Apple has asked a London studio to prepare audio files for a new streaming format that will adapt to bandwidth or hardware capabilities,” the report reveals. “It is unclear whether the files will convert to the smaller types such as AAC in real time, or if Apple will convert the master file to several different types upon submission to iTunes.” As usual, Apple remains mum on the possibility, but with iTunes currently encouraging labels to submit higher quality 24-bit, 96KHz master files, it would seem to be just a matter of time before it becomes reality.</p><h3>MacTech Shows You How to Fight AT&amp;T Data Throttling</h3><p>Are you an iPhone user grandfathered into an unlimited data plan who’s suffering through AT&amp;T’s attempts to throttle your data speeds? <a href="http://www.mactech.com/2012/02/27/how-fight-att-data-throttling-small-claims-action" target="_blank">According to MacTech</a>, you may have a small claims case against the carrier that could net you upwards of $850, the sum recently awarded to an iPhone user in Southern California after taking AT&amp;T to court. Of course, with our society already so litigious, it would seem ill-advised to take this approach -- but after all, AT&amp;T started it by not living up to their promise. MacTech outlines the five steps you’ll need to follow, which includes finding out where to file in the first place, thoroughly reading your contract, being able to prove you have an unlimited data plan, having an amount in mind for damages and of course, being prepared and polite. The bottom line is, AT&amp;T users have rights, and sometimes big companies need to remember that. Be sure to hit the link to read the entire story before blindly heading down to the courthouse to file your small claims action!</p><h3>Apple Scores a Major Win for Multitouch Patents</h3><p><a href="http://www.patentlyapple.com/patently-apple/2012/02/its-a-huge-day-for-apple-on-the-multi-touch-patent-front.html" target="_blank">Patently Apple is reporting</a> that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has published 24 patents today which have been granted to Apple Inc. The first of these “highlights three out of five important Multi-Touch patent wins,” which cover multitouch auto scanning (for “disabling components of a touch-panel device during periods of inactivity to conserve power”), multipoint touchscreens (encapsulating 21 patents dating back to 2004) and Apple’s 3D curved substrate lamination process used for the Magic Mouse. “No matter how you slice it, it's a huge day for Apple on the Multi-touch patent front,” the website proclaims. Today’s patent victories also include 8,125,455 and 8,125,464 which cover "Full scale calibration measurement for multi-touch surfaces” -- less sexy than the others, to be sure, but definitely additional ammunition in Apple’s arsenal nonetheless.</p><h3>Marvel Graphic Novels Arrive in iBookstore</h3><p><a href="http://www.loopinsight.com/2012/02/28/marvel-graphic-novels-available-on-apples-ibookstore/" target="_blank">The Loop is reporting</a> that Marvel Digital Media Group has announced the availability of 80 graphic novels through Apple’s iBookstore. Titles are sorted by popular characters such as The Avengers, Captain America, Spider-Man, X-Men and The Hulk, and all of the titles can be read on an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. “Marvel is taking the world of comics by storm and releasing a massive selection of our best and brightest graphic novels on the iBookstore,” announced Peter Phillips, Senior Vice President &amp; General Manager, Marvel Digital Media Group. “For the first time ever, fans will be able to easily find and enjoy all of their favorite heroes including The Avengers, Spider-Man and The X-Men on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch -- one of the best digital platforms for reading comics and graphic novels.” The publisher also continues to offer many of these titles through its own Marvel app as well.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/tuesday_recap_more_march_7_fight_att_throttling_marvel_ibookstore#commentsNewsapple patentsAT&TCNBCcourtsdaily recapdata throttlingiBookstoreiCloudiPad 3iTunesmarvelRumorsiPadiPhoneTue, 28 Feb 2012 23:33:09 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13410 at http://www.maclife.comApple Seeks Injunction Against Samsung Galaxy Nexus (and Android 4.0)http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_seeks_injunction_against_samsung_galaxy_nexus_and_android_40
<!--paging_filter--><p><img src="/files/u220903/iphone_4s_vs_galaxy_nexus_200px.png" alt="iPhone 4S vs. Galaxy Nexus" width="200" height="150" class="graphic-right" />If you’re trying to keep score at home with all of the smartphone patent battles flying back and forth, it’s time to add another one to the heap: Apple is looking to get the Samsung Galaxy Nexus banned here in the U.S., but it may have more to do with the software than the actual hardware.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theverge.com/2012/2/11/2791830/apple-seeks-ban-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Nexus" target="_blank">The Verge is reporting</a> that Apple has filed a preliminary injunction here in the United States in an effort to block sales of the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, the third and latest Google-branded handset which is currently only available from Verizon Wireless -- although grey market GSM unlocked handsets are also plentiful if you know where to look.<br /><br />While Apple going after Samsung is nothing new, it’s not the Galaxy Nexus hardware that’s at issue with this latest motion. Instead, it appears to be Android 4.0 (also known as “Ice Cream Sandwich”) that’s the real target, judging from the four software patents listed in the preliminary injunction.<br /><br />One of them -- #5,946,647 -- already comes with an Apple victory from last December, when the U.S. International Trade Commission banned the sale of several Android-based HTC devices here (mostly older models such as the Sprint Evo 4G and Verizon Droid Incredible). However, the remaining three patents were all issued in late 2011.<br /><br />#8,086,604 dates back to 2000 and “covers searching multiple sources of information (on device and elsewhere) through a single search interface, such as Siri,” which appears to target Android’s own voice-activated search. #8,046,721 covers the familiar “slide to unlock” feature introduced with the iPhone in 2007, although the patent filing dates back to 2005. Finally, #8,074,172 was filed in 2007 and “covers providing word suggestions while the user types on a touchscreen keyboard.”<br /><br />Collectively, the four patents appear to be a pretty massive assault against the latest and greatest version of Android, which has only begun to roll out to other devices including tablets -- so this is definitely not the last we’ll be hearing about this case.<br /><br /><em>Follow this article’s author, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/JRBTempe" target="_blank">J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter</a></em></p><p>&nbsp;</p>http://www.maclife.com/article/news/apple_seeks_injunction_against_samsung_galaxy_nexus_and_android_40#commentsNewsandroidAndroid 4.0apple patentsApple vs. SamsungGalaxy Nexusice cream sandwichinjunctionpatent warsiPhoneMon, 13 Feb 2012 14:08:36 +0000J.R. Bookwalter13273 at http://www.maclife.com